Rajnath distances BJP from Mufti remark on Kashmir polls
Mufti reported said that "people from across the border" (read Pakistan) allowed peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
"We give the credit of conducive poll environment to the Election Commission, armed forces and the people of the state in general," Rajnath Singh told Parliament amid questions by Opposition Congress demanding explanation.
He said the BJP government is completely dissociating itself from the remark of Mufti that Pakistan and Hurriyat allowed smooth conduct of polls.
After taking oath as the twelfth chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, 79-year-old Mufti Muhammad Sayeed triggered a controversy as he gave credit to Hurriyat, militant outfits and 'people from across the border' for allowing to create a conducive atmosphere to conduct assembly elections in the state last year.
In his maiden press conference after being sworn in as the head of the PDP-BJP government, Mufti said, "I want to say this on record and I have told this to the Prime Minister that the we must also credit the Hurriyat and militant outfits for the conduct of the Assembly elections in the state."
Sided by deputy chief minister Dr Nirmal Singh of BJP and PDP's Dr Haseeb Drabu, Sayeed said, "God forbid if they (militants) would have done something. It would not have been possible to conduct smooth elections here."
"You all know what it required to disturb the peace," he added.
"People from across the border made the atmosphere conducive. They also allowed the democratic process to continue in the state. This gives us a hope," he said in a veiled reference to Pakistan.
While giving credit to people, Mufti said he felt proud that the people in the heart of Srinagar city came out in large numbers to vote in the polls last year.
Mufti while talking about the security scenario in state said that as the 'head of unified command he knows his job well'.
Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah attacked him over his remarks and tweeted: "'Pakistan, Huriyaat & Militants ALLOWED peaceful conduct of elections' says Mufti Syed. I guess we should be grateful for their generosity."
"Dear @BJP4India please explain roll of security forces & polling staff considering your CM just said 'Pakistan allowed elections in J&K'," he said.
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